Melted Braces... Can tank fail?

rob_cline · 12/26/2006, 06:40 PM

I have a 180G bowfront glass aquarium (1/2" glass) with 2 plastic top braces that go from the back of the tank to the front. These are partially melted from the previous owner having the lights too close.

Questions:

1) Can my tank fail if these braces break?
2) What can I do (low-cost) to repair these or strengthen them before I fill my tank?
3) What can I cover these with to protect them from further damage? If I go with T5 lighting, is this a non-issue?

Thanks!

- Robert

SWSaltwater · 12/26/2006, 06:59 PM

Yes it can fail, I would install new bracing. The plastic they use does not hold much but it is supporting some. Maybe silicone in a glass brace, but the rounded cut might take special tools. I would check with a glass shop. Also call All Glass, they might sell you a replacement trim and brace.

Rob

rob_cline · 12/26/2006, 07:18 PM

I was thinking of drilling some tiny holes into the ends of the existing braces, and using some plastic zip ties to strap a new piece of plastic over the existing piece. Is this a crazy idea?

2crazyreefers · 12/26/2006, 07:27 PM

Replacent braces are cheap. Check with your lfs.

Bergovoy · 12/26/2006, 07:28 PM

I would not drill through the brace if it is under stress now. it is liable to crack or tear completely across.

I would laminate anything to it. Clean it off well, and get onther piece of plastic or acrylic and silicone it in place completely then clamp the material together.

One dry, the new material will like new...

Good luck

Bill

12/26/2006, 06:40 PM	#1
rob_cline Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 9	Melted Braces... Can tank fail? I have a 180G bowfront glass aquarium (1/2" glass) with 2 plastic top braces that go from the back of the tank to the front. These are partially melted from the previous owner having the lights too close. Questions: 1) Can my tank fail if these braces break? 2) What can I do (low-cost) to repair these or strengthen them before I fill my tank? 3) What can I cover these with to protect them from further damage? If I go with T5 lighting, is this a non-issue? Thanks! - Robert

12/26/2006, 07:27 PM	#4
2crazyreefers Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Vt. Posts: 733	Replacent braces are cheap. Check with your lfs. __________________ My 4 part recipie for my acros = calcium - alk - flow & luck.

12/26/2006, 06:59 PM	#2
SWSaltwater Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona, Tucson Posts: 1,119	Yes it can fail, I would install new bracing. The plastic they use does not hold much but it is supporting some. Maybe silicone in a glass brace, but the rounded cut might take special tools. I would check with a glass shop. Also call All Glass, they might sell you a replacement trim and brace. Rob

12/26/2006, 07:18 PM	#3
rob_cline Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 9	I was thinking of drilling some tiny holes into the ends of the existing braces, and using some plastic zip ties to strap a new piece of plastic over the existing piece. Is this a crazy idea?

12/26/2006, 07:28 PM	#5
Bergovoy Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Monrovia, CA Posts: 2,163	I would not drill through the brace if it is under stress now. it is liable to crack or tear completely across. I would laminate anything to it. Clean it off well, and get onther piece of plastic or acrylic and silicone it in place completely then clamp the material together. One dry, the new material will like new... Good luck Bill